July 23, 2008
A lively Eucharist in Spanish, with energetic music from Cuba, opened
this day. We then gathered for a bible
study on the theme ”I am the light of the world”, the story of the “woman
caught in adultery” and our Lord’s response. In the reading, a group of leaders seek Jesus’ judgment on the
woman. Without a doubt the word “judge”
is a complex and multi-layered English word that means different things in
different cultures and settings. What is
the role of the church when it comes to judgment? What are we to make of “Do not judge lest you
be judged yourself?” When we stand
before God for the final judgment of our lives what will we say?
That study led us into the Indaba groups focusing on the theme “The
Bishop and Social Justice”. We heard
powerful stories of the realities of people living in situations where water
can not be trusted and often is a source of disease; where mothers neglect
their own nourishment in order that their children might eat the meagre amount
of food available; where HIV/AIDS and other diseases ravage the human
body. Somehow the discussions of the
important theological issues of human sexuality, when held along side these
life and death realities, make me wonder what it would be if we put even half
the corporate energy we invest into human sexuality into these life and death
issues.
The afternoon found us in the first of four scheduled “hearings”
opportunities for bishops to address the Windsor Continuation Group with their
reflections on the proposed covenant. I did not hear much new I am afraid.
Fresh Expressions, a movement launched in England that is gaining
traction in much of the world, was the topic of the self-select group I
chose. The Diocese of Toronto is already
working with Fresh Expressions, which seeks to take the gospel to the
culture in new and creative ways. It has
had no small success and may help us as we seek to be more mission-minded.
“Google up” Fresh Expressions and take a look at what is being done.
The evening event sponsored by the Bishop of Toronto gathered together
with a group of African Bishops as we seek to build community and strengthen
ties with our sisters and brothers in other parts of the world. It was particularly interesting to learn of
the ministries and challenges in other dioceses during the talks their bishops
gave. The sheer size and lack of
transportation of some of the dioceses makes regular contact with parishes and
clergy so difficult. I hope this
Conference might inspire our diocese to consider entering into additional
relationships with other parts of the world where our resources, talents, time
and energy might be used in partnership with others for the common good.
The Lambeth Conference is reinforcing what I already knew - that our
church in the west has much to learn from our sisters and brothers in other
parts of the world.
+Philip Poole
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